The Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has vehemently denied media reports suggesting the party endorsed National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, for any elective political office. The reports stemmed from a stakeholders’ meeting held in Hong Local Government Area, which the party clarified was part of its ongoing grassroots mobilization efforts and not an endorsement platform for any individual. The APC’s statement, issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Abdullahi, characterized the reports as a “mischievous distortion” of the meeting’s true purpose. The party emphasized that the Hong meeting, like others being conducted across the state, was focused on solidifying party unity, revitalizing grassroots structures, and communicating the party’s unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid. This message of support for President Tinubu, originating from the state, zonal, and national leadership, is the core message being disseminated through these local government tours.
The controversy surrounding the Hong meeting appears to be linked to broader tensions within the North-East APC chapter regarding Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political future. Reports suggest a clash at a separate stakeholders’ summit, where Borno State party leaders allegedly demanded Shettima’s endorsement as Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 elections. This purported move was reportedly triggered by perceived maneuvers by some Adamawa APC members to position Ribadu as a potential replacement for Shettima. The Adamawa APC, however, has categorically denied any such intentions, distancing itself from the narrative of promoting Ribadu for higher office at Shettima’s expense.
The Adamawa APC has taken pains to clarify the context of the vote of confidence passed in favor of Ribadu during the Hong meeting. The party insists that this gesture was solely in recognition of Ribadu’s commendable performance as NSA and the positive image he projects for Adamawa State. The party leadership underscored that the vote of confidence was not an endorsement for any political ambition, stating unequivocally that appointments are the sole prerogative of President Tinubu. The APC emphasized its respect for the President’s authority in this matter, rejecting any notion of imposing or preempting his decisions regarding appointments or future candidacies. The party’s commendation of Ribadu, therefore, should be interpreted solely as an acknowledgement of his effective service as NSA and the honor he brings to his home state.
The party’s clarification seeks to dispel any misinterpretations of the events at the Hong meeting and quell any potential for discord within its ranks. The APC has urged the public and media to disregard attempts to twist the narrative or create divisions within the party. They reiterate their commitment to party unity and their focus on supporting President Tinubu’s second term aspirations. The statement stresses that such unfounded reports are designed to create unnecessary confusion and division but will not deter the party from its objectives.
Speculation persists, nonetheless, regarding Ribadu’s potential political aspirations, particularly a possible gubernatorial bid in Adamawa State. Ribadu has contested the governorship three times unsuccessfully, most recently losing the APC primary election to Senator Aishatu Binani in 2023. While the party has explicitly denied endorsing him for any specific office, the rumors surrounding his political future continue to circulate, fueled in part by the recent vote of confidence and the ongoing discussions regarding the political landscape in the North-East.
In essence, the Adamawa State chapter of the APC aims to draw a clear distinction between acknowledging the commendable performance of a prominent son of the state serving in a high-profile national security role and endorsing him for any future political office. The party maintains that its focus remains on strengthening internal unity, mobilizing grassroots support, and championing President Tinubu’s agenda. While the party acknowledges the contributions of individuals like Ribadu, it insists that decisions regarding future political positions rest solely with the President and that any speculation to the contrary is a misrepresentation of the party’s position. The ongoing controversy, however, highlights underlying tensions within the APC, especially regarding the 2027 elections and the political futures of key figures like Vice President Shettima.
